Haunted by the aftermath of his father’s suicide, Tom abandons his wife and seeks refuge at the lakeside cottage where his father met his tragic end. There, his tormented memories from childhood resurface, all intricately connected to an ancient, mystifying force lurking beneath the lake’s depths, driving Tom inexorably toward madness.
This year, I’ve discovered more incredible independent films than ever before. While big-budget blockbusters like “Twisters,” “Deadpool & Wolverine,” and “Alien: Romulus” had their moments, most studio releases left me underwhelmed. But the indie scene? It’s on fire. From the terrific Irish quartet of “Oddity,” “An Taibhse” (The Ghost), “Kneecap,” and “Apocalypse Clown,” to the atmospheric “The Moor,” and the skin-crawling terror of “Infested” and “Sting,” indie filmmakers are pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable experiences. And let’s not forget Viggo Mortensen and Vicky Krieps’s captivating performances in “The Dead Don’t Hurt.”
But one film that could have joined these ranks yet stumbled at the finish line is Matt Devino’s and David Michael Yohe’s “The Dæmon.” This supernatural mystery had all the ingredients of a classic – a moody atmosphere, stunning cinematography, and a gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. But just as you’re fully invested, the film falters with an anticlimactic, baffling conclusion that leaves you with more questions than answers.
“The Dæmon” sets the stage for a chilling exploration of grief, trauma, and the unknown. When Elliot (Nick Searcy) vanishes, his son Tom (Tyler Q Rosen) uncovers a dark family legacy tied to a mysterious lake. As Tom’s wife, Kathy (Sara Fletcher), and their friends arrive at the lakehouse to make sure Tom is okay, they’re plunged into a maelstrom of hallucinations, nightmares, and terrifying encounters that suggest something malevolent is stirring in the depths of the lake. But as the possessions mount and tensions rise, the film’s potential for a haunting resolution fizzles out into ambiguity and confusion.
Cinematographer J.R. Kraus deserves praise for capturing the haunting beauty of Lake Michigan, using eerie fog and widescreen vistas to craft an unsettling atmosphere. Devino and Yohe prove adept at weaving a nightmarish spell that keeps you guessing – until the momentum sputters out. We’re given glimpses of a monstrous presence and echoes of a tragic past but no insight into the nature of the threat, its origins, or its motivations. In a genre where mystery can be a powerful tool, “The Dæmon” crosses the line into frustrating obscurity.
The cast delivers committed performances, and the directors display a keen eye for building tension. It’s clear that “The Dæmon” had the potential to be a standout. But by withholding crucial context and resolving the plot threads with a whimper rather than a bang, the filmmakers undermine their own work. As a critic, seeing a movie that starts strong succumb to narrative laziness is disheartening.
While “The Dæmon” is marred by its flawed conclusion, it reminds us that even imperfect films can offer glimmers of excellence. Here’s hoping Devino and Yohe take the lessons learned and deliver a more satisfying experience next time around. When indie filmmakers nail it, they create something truly unforgettable.
“The Dæmon” will have its World Premiere at
Pigeon Shrine FrightFest in London on Friday, August 23rd
